2018 NFL mock draft: Browns, Giants kick off quarterback chaos

2018 NFL mock draft: Browns, Giants kick off quarterback chaos

As NFL stars and veterans head to the golf course or wait for their name to be called for Canton, a fresh wave of talent leaves college, hoping to become the faces of a franchise.

With the NFL Scouting Combine officially underway in Indianapolis this week, players from across the country will step onto the turf at Lucas Oil Stadium with the same dream.

Anything can happen at the combine, with draft stocks heading in either direction after the drills, interviews and medical evaluations wrap up. Let’s take a look at how the first round of the 2018 NFL draft could shake out before the top prospects start their gauntlet of drills in Indy.

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Sam Darnold is a popular pick here, but with his decision to skip throwing drills until his pro-day at USC, the board is wide open. Arguably the top player in the class, Barkley is a generational talent with excellent speed, size, acceleration and hands. If the Browns aren’t sold on any quarterback, they should easily make this pick.

New general manager Dave Gettleman has stated that the team is open to trade the second pick for a the right price. If that’s not possible, the Giants have time to groom the heir to Eli Manning. Allen has all the tools to be a franchise caliber quarterback in the NFL with time. Heading to the Big Apple and sitting for a year or two could be a huge win long-term for both Allen and the G-Men.

Pass rusher is a major need for the Colts, but protecting Andrew Luck is a bigger one if they want to compete in the ever-improving AFC South. Nelson is my top overall player in this class, and can play any spot on the offensive line.

While he won’t be throwing at the combine, Darnold still has the tools to be a top-level quarterback in the NFL. With a big arm and limitless upside, Darnold makes perfect sense for the new regime in Cleveland. The Browns walk away huge winners draft night with two franchise players for their offense.

The most NFL-ready quarterback in the class, Rosen has all the tools and skills to be a plug-and-play starter. With the Broncos defense starting to decline, Rosen could be the missing piece that sends them back to the postseason and possibly further.

While his height might cause some issues, Mayfield’s skill set and fiery, competitive attitude makes him a perfect fit for the Big Apple. The Jets once had a quarterback named “Broadway Joe,” and look what he did for the franchise. Hello, “Meadowland Mayfield.”

While Minkah Fitzpatrick is tempting, the Bucs’ biggest need is for a pass-rusher like Chubb, and this year’s class is fairly weak behind him. A physical, disruptive defender, Chubb would be an instant upgrade for a Tampa Bay team that desperately needs a double-digit sack artist.

The Bears will miss out on grabbing Nelson for a reunion with his former position coach, but they’re in great position to draft a leader for their defense. A heat-seeking missile as a tackler, Smith is a top-level talent who can be effective as a run defender and in coverage. While wide receiver is the bigger need, Smith is the better value.

If Fitzpatrick tumbles anywhere near this far, expect a team to trade up for him. A natural tackler with excellent cover skills and experience at nearly every defensive back position, the 49ers get a steal by grabbing one of the top five overall prospects in this year’s class.

If the Raiders miss out on Smith, Jackson would be a stellar consolation prize. While some might label him a one-year wonder, that won’t stop the Raiders from gambling on his physical tools. A ball-hawking cover man with excellent size and instincts, Jackson is exactly the kind of playmaker this secondary needs.

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